This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/11/brexit-deal-latest-theresa-may-eu-juncker-tells-may-deal-could-be-clarified-but-no-room-whatsoever-for-renegotiation-politics-live
The article has changed 26 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 23 | Version 24 |
|---|---|
| Brexit: Challenge to May's leadership intensifies as senior Tory declares 'no confidence' | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| We’re closing down this live blog now. Thanks for sticking with us late into the night – as well as for all the comments. Here’s a summary of the evening’s events: | |
| Westminster came alive on Tuesday evening with speculation the prime minister will face a confidence vote as a senior Tory publicly backed such a move. Owen Paterson, a former cabinet minister, wrote a letter to the chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbenchers, Graham Brady, saying he no longer supported Theresa May. The Conservative party’s rules require 48 MPs to do so in order to force a vote. Various sources in Westminster made differing claims on whether or not that number had been reached on Tuesday evening. | |
| May returned from the continent to face her chief whip and the chairman of the party in No 10. Julian Smith and Brandon Lewis both left Downing Street late in the evening without saying anything but their very presence there fuelled the speculation about May’s position. There were conflicting reports over whether or not Brady had asked to speak to the prime minister after PMQs on Wednesday but friends of his refused to deny that he would do so. | |
| You can read a summary of the day’s earlier events here. And our full story is here: | You can read a summary of the day’s earlier events here. And our full story is here: |
| May’s leadership under threat as Tory MPs mobilise against her | May’s leadership under threat as Tory MPs mobilise against her |
| Earlier this evening, the Sinn Féin president, Mary-Lou McDonald, told Theresa May the backstop was “non-negotiable” and demanded an Irish unity referendum in the case of a no-deal Brexit. | Earlier this evening, the Sinn Féin president, Mary-Lou McDonald, told Theresa May the backstop was “non-negotiable” and demanded an Irish unity referendum in the case of a no-deal Brexit. |
| She and Pearse Doherty, the Sinn Féin Irish parliament member, spoke to May for about 20 minutes on Tuesday. McDonald said: | She and Pearse Doherty, the Sinn Féin Irish parliament member, spoke to May for about 20 minutes on Tuesday. McDonald said: |
| We raised concerns that we are facing into a no deal or a crash Brexit which would be a disaster for Ireland. And we reminded Mrs May that, in those circumstances, a unity referendum must be called as a matter of urgency. | We raised concerns that we are facing into a no deal or a crash Brexit which would be a disaster for Ireland. And we reminded Mrs May that, in those circumstances, a unity referendum must be called as a matter of urgency. |
| As I told the taoiseach today, Irish unity is the ultimate contingency to protect our interests in the event of a crash Brexit. | As I told the taoiseach today, Irish unity is the ultimate contingency to protect our interests in the event of a crash Brexit. |
| As if to illustrate the tenuous nature of the reports for anyone getting carried away, City AM’s Owen Bennett contradicts earlier claims that Brady intends to speak to the prime minister after PMQs tomorrow: | As if to illustrate the tenuous nature of the reports for anyone getting carried away, City AM’s Owen Bennett contradicts earlier claims that Brady intends to speak to the prime minister after PMQs tomorrow: |
| Very well placed source tells me Sir Graham Brady is NOT planning to see the PM after PMQs tomorrow | Very well placed source tells me Sir Graham Brady is NOT planning to see the PM after PMQs tomorrow |
| The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg previously said she had been told he did intend to do so: | The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg previously said she had been told he did intend to do so: |
| Hearing that SirGraham Brady has asked to see the PM after #pmqs tmrw, and multiple sources, including senior tories and a cabinet minister, telling us tonight they believe the threshold of 48 letters has been reached - v unlikely to be any confirmation until tomorrow | Hearing that SirGraham Brady has asked to see the PM after #pmqs tmrw, and multiple sources, including senior tories and a cabinet minister, telling us tonight they believe the threshold of 48 letters has been reached - v unlikely to be any confirmation until tomorrow |
| What is not in doubt is that the chief whip and the chairman of the Conservative party have been in No 10 this evening as the PM returns from the continent. And, as Newsnight’s Nick Watt points out: | What is not in doubt is that the chief whip and the chairman of the Conservative party have been in No 10 this evening as the PM returns from the continent. And, as Newsnight’s Nick Watt points out: |
| Not a normal day if Tory chairman leaves No 10 at 11pm | Not a normal day if Tory chairman leaves No 10 at 11pm |
| Damien Green, a close ally of Theresa May and former first secretary of state, has told the BBC’s Newsnight programme that, if 48 letters have gone in, it will be seen by the public as “an act of monumental self-indulgence” on the part of Tory MPs. | Damien Green, a close ally of Theresa May and former first secretary of state, has told the BBC’s Newsnight programme that, if 48 letters have gone in, it will be seen by the public as “an act of monumental self-indulgence” on the part of Tory MPs. |
| People outside the Westminster bubble will be looking at this and thinking we’ve got a prime minister doing really difficult negotiations, at the sharp end of one of the most important decisions for 50 years. This is a really important matter for the country, not just the Conservative party, but for the country. To undermine the prime minister at this stage, seems to be, to be wholly wrong | People outside the Westminster bubble will be looking at this and thinking we’ve got a prime minister doing really difficult negotiations, at the sharp end of one of the most important decisions for 50 years. This is a really important matter for the country, not just the Conservative party, but for the country. To undermine the prime minister at this stage, seems to be, to be wholly wrong |
| Theresa May’s grip on power appears to be slipping as speculation grows at Westminster that she could face a vote of no confidence from Tory MPs, exasperated at her last-minute decision to pull the meaningful vote. | Theresa May’s grip on power appears to be slipping as speculation grows at Westminster that she could face a vote of no confidence from Tory MPs, exasperated at her last-minute decision to pull the meaningful vote. |
| While the prime minister took a whistlestop tour of European capitals on Tuesday in a bid to win fresh concessions from EU leaders, MPs were lobbying colleagues to submit letters of no confidence in her leadership to Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers. | While the prime minister took a whistlestop tour of European capitals on Tuesday in a bid to win fresh concessions from EU leaders, MPs were lobbying colleagues to submit letters of no confidence in her leadership to Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers. |
| Friends of Brady refused to deny reports he would meet May after her regular appearance at prime minister’s questions on Wednesday lunchtime. He would have to inform her first before calling any no confidence vote. | Friends of Brady refused to deny reports he would meet May after her regular appearance at prime minister’s questions on Wednesday lunchtime. He would have to inform her first before calling any no confidence vote. |
| There was fevered speculation at Westminster on Tuesday night that the threshold of 48 letters – which would trigger a vote – had finally been reached. May has recently arrived back at Downing Street, where her chief whip was waiting for her. | There was fevered speculation at Westminster on Tuesday night that the threshold of 48 letters – which would trigger a vote – had finally been reached. May has recently arrived back at Downing Street, where her chief whip was waiting for her. |
| Several prominent Tories, including Boris Johnson, Sajid Javid and Amber Rudd, are known to be contemplating running if May loses a confidence vote. | Several prominent Tories, including Boris Johnson, Sajid Javid and Amber Rudd, are known to be contemplating running if May loses a confidence vote. |
| Many of the most prominent May sceptics were wary of making predictions, bruised by the last time the letters failed to materialise. One Brexiter MP said he knew colleagues who had spent the day lobbying others to send in their letters. Another said: “Do I think we’re there yet tonight? I’m not sure but I think we will be tomorrow.” Others played down the prospect of the threshold being reached. | Many of the most prominent May sceptics were wary of making predictions, bruised by the last time the letters failed to materialise. One Brexiter MP said he knew colleagues who had spent the day lobbying others to send in their letters. Another said: “Do I think we’re there yet tonight? I’m not sure but I think we will be tomorrow.” Others played down the prospect of the threshold being reached. |
| Threat of no-confidence vote in May grows as Tories lobby against her | Threat of no-confidence vote in May grows as Tories lobby against her |
| Elsewhere in the letter, Paterson writes that the prime minister failed to prepare for a no-deal Brexit, tried to bounce her ministers into supporting her and approached negotiations like a “feeble and unworthy” supplicant. | Elsewhere in the letter, Paterson writes that the prime minister failed to prepare for a no-deal Brexit, tried to bounce her ministers into supporting her and approached negotiations like a “feeble and unworthy” supplicant. |
| These mistakes have eroded trust in the government, to the point where I and many others can no longer take the prime minister at her word ... She has repeatedly said ‘no deal is better than a bad deal’, but it is clear her objective was to secure a deal at any cost. | These mistakes have eroded trust in the government, to the point where I and many others can no longer take the prime minister at her word ... She has repeatedly said ‘no deal is better than a bad deal’, but it is clear her objective was to secure a deal at any cost. |
| The former Northern Ireland and environment secretary, Owen Paterson, has added his name to the list of Tory MPs who have lost confidence in Theresa May’s leadership. In his letter to the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Graham Brady, Paterson says May’s “proposed ‘deal’ is so bad that it cannot be considered anything other than a betrayal of clear manifesto promises”. | The former Northern Ireland and environment secretary, Owen Paterson, has added his name to the list of Tory MPs who have lost confidence in Theresa May’s leadership. In his letter to the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Graham Brady, Paterson says May’s “proposed ‘deal’ is so bad that it cannot be considered anything other than a betrayal of clear manifesto promises”. |
| Paterson, who has criticised May’s approach in the past, had his letter published in the Daily Telegraph. In it, he writes: | Paterson, who has criticised May’s approach in the past, had his letter published in the Daily Telegraph. In it, he writes: |
| No amount of tinkering will yield a majority in parliament for this deal. The government needs to consider more boldly the possible alternatives which might command that support. President Tusk offered just such an alternative in March: a wide-ranging, zero-tariff free trade agreement. | No amount of tinkering will yield a majority in parliament for this deal. The government needs to consider more boldly the possible alternatives which might command that support. President Tusk offered just such an alternative in March: a wide-ranging, zero-tariff free trade agreement. |
| That deal foundered on the question of the Northern Ireland border, but existing techniques and processes can resolve this. From my October meeting with Michel Barnier, I know that a willingness exists on the EU side to explore these possibilities more fully. The meeting also confirmed that Tusk’s offer is still on the table. | That deal foundered on the question of the Northern Ireland border, but existing techniques and processes can resolve this. From my October meeting with Michel Barnier, I know that a willingness exists on the EU side to explore these possibilities more fully. The meeting also confirmed that Tusk’s offer is still on the table. |
| Throughout this process, I have sought to support the government. The conclusion is now inescapable that the prime minister is the blockage to the wide-ranging free trade agreement offered by Tusk which would be in the best interests of the country and command the support of Parliament. | Throughout this process, I have sought to support the government. The conclusion is now inescapable that the prime minister is the blockage to the wide-ranging free trade agreement offered by Tusk which would be in the best interests of the country and command the support of Parliament. |
| I, therefore, have no confidence in Theresa May as prime minister and leader of the Conservative party and ask that you hold a vote of no confidence. | I, therefore, have no confidence in Theresa May as prime minister and leader of the Conservative party and ask that you hold a vote of no confidence. |
| As previously noted, we’ve been here before. And, the last time we were here, we had a look at the likely runners and riders, should Tory MPs declare no confidence in Theresa May’s leadership. Here they are: | As previously noted, we’ve been here before. And, the last time we were here, we had a look at the likely runners and riders, should Tory MPs declare no confidence in Theresa May’s leadership. Here they are: |
| The race to replace Theresa May: the likely candidates | The race to replace Theresa May: the likely candidates |
| It is perhaps worth noting that, since this was written, Boris Johnson has faced a torrid time in the Commons at the hands of his own Tory colleagues, suggesting his stock may have fallen. | It is perhaps worth noting that, since this was written, Boris Johnson has faced a torrid time in the Commons at the hands of his own Tory colleagues, suggesting his stock may have fallen. |
| While it should be stressed that there’s been no confirmation that the requisite 48 letters have been submitted, here’s our guide to what would follow if they were: | While it should be stressed that there’s been no confirmation that the requisite 48 letters have been submitted, here’s our guide to what would follow if they were: |
| How Conservative leadership challenges work | How Conservative leadership challenges work |
| Numerous journalists are now saying they have been told that enough Tory MPs have submitted – or are due to submit – letters opposing Theresa May’s leadership to force a confidence vote. They are citing unnamed sources. | Numerous journalists are now saying they have been told that enough Tory MPs have submitted – or are due to submit – letters opposing Theresa May’s leadership to force a confidence vote. They are citing unnamed sources. |
| Hearing that SirGraham Brady has asked to see the PM after #pmqs tmrw, and multiple sources, including senior tories and a cabinet minister, telling us tonight they believe the threshold of 48 letters has been reached - v unlikely to be any confirmation until tomorrow | Hearing that SirGraham Brady has asked to see the PM after #pmqs tmrw, and multiple sources, including senior tories and a cabinet minister, telling us tonight they believe the threshold of 48 letters has been reached - v unlikely to be any confirmation until tomorrow |
| I said on @itvnews that predicting when @theresa_may goes is mug’s game. But someone I actually trust in all this tells me the 48 letters threshold for no-confidence vote In her by Tory MPs has been passed. Might be wrong. And I might be a prize mug. But thought I should mention | I said on @itvnews that predicting when @theresa_may goes is mug’s game. But someone I actually trust in all this tells me the 48 letters threshold for no-confidence vote In her by Tory MPs has been passed. Might be wrong. And I might be a prize mug. But thought I should mention |
| 1. I know, I know, I know that we have been here before, but senior tories are sounding more and more confident the threshold has been reached - more to the point a Remainer MP has just told me they will submit a letter too if there is not vote on deal by Christmas | 1. I know, I know, I know that we have been here before, but senior tories are sounding more and more confident the threshold has been reached - more to the point a Remainer MP has just told me they will submit a letter too if there is not vote on deal by Christmas |
| 2. At 3pm I was reliably told the numbers weren't there, but this has been moving v fast indeed - at 5.30pm the PM said she hadn't been told about threshold being reached | 2. At 3pm I was reliably told the numbers weren't there, but this has been moving v fast indeed - at 5.30pm the PM said she hadn't been told about threshold being reached |
| 3. It's exactly the time now when MP s were meant to be starting to vote on the deal | 3. It's exactly the time now when MP s were meant to be starting to vote on the deal |
| Take with a big pinch of salt but ...Two Conservative MPs have told me that at least four letters of no confidence were submitted today. A third Tory MP expects the 48 letter threshold to be breached tomorrow morning. One of the other two thinks it has already happened. #Brexit | Take with a big pinch of salt but ...Two Conservative MPs have told me that at least four letters of no confidence were submitted today. A third Tory MP expects the 48 letter threshold to be breached tomorrow morning. One of the other two thinks it has already happened. #Brexit |
| I know we've marched up this hill before, but I've now been told by two solid Tory sources - crucially neither of them "usual suspects" - that the 48 letters have been reached. Ultimately we'll have to wait for Sir Graham Brady in the morning... https://t.co/f7lNn3P9d9 | I know we've marched up this hill before, but I've now been told by two solid Tory sources - crucially neither of them "usual suspects" - that the 48 letters have been reached. Ultimately we'll have to wait for Sir Graham Brady in the morning... https://t.co/f7lNn3P9d9 |
| We have, of course, been here before. | We have, of course, been here before. |
| Call me an old cynic if you like, but the same MP ringing round everyone they can think of in the lobby talking darkly about 48 letters, and everyone tweeting it at the same time, does seem a *little* bit familiar | Call me an old cynic if you like, but the same MP ringing round everyone they can think of in the lobby talking darkly about 48 letters, and everyone tweeting it at the same time, does seem a *little* bit familiar |
| A French politician has taken the lead in ensuring there is no “catastrophe” on the Dover-Calais route in the event of no-deal. | A French politician has taken the lead in ensuring there is no “catastrophe” on the Dover-Calais route in the event of no-deal. |
| Xavier Bertrand, a former minister, invited the inter-goverment border delivery group to Lille on Monday. The Road Haulage Association was there and it said the UK government’s plans for customs declarations would mean eight hours of paperwork for a typical lorry. | Xavier Bertrand, a former minister, invited the inter-goverment border delivery group to Lille on Monday. The Road Haulage Association was there and it said the UK government’s plans for customs declarations would mean eight hours of paperwork for a typical lorry. |
| Bertrand told the Guardian he decided to take the lead and has lobbied to get funds from the EU to get Calais ready. | Bertrand told the Guardian he decided to take the lead and has lobbied to get funds from the EU to get Calais ready. |
| Calais is now urgently putting plans in place for temporary border inspection posts and the recruitment of some of the 250 customs officials apparently needed. | Calais is now urgently putting plans in place for temporary border inspection posts and the recruitment of some of the 250 customs officials apparently needed. |
| Dover checks ‘would take eight hours per lorry’ in no-deal Brexit | Dover checks ‘would take eight hours per lorry’ in no-deal Brexit |
| Boris Johnson has revealed he is dieting and has lost 12 pounds in two weeks after deciding he needed to give up drink and “delicious late-night binges of chorizo and cheese” – just as he could be about to embark on a bid to become prime minister. | Boris Johnson has revealed he is dieting and has lost 12 pounds in two weeks after deciding he needed to give up drink and “delicious late-night binges of chorizo and cheese” – just as he could be about to embark on a bid to become prime minister. |
| Writing in the Spectator, the former foreign secretary said he had realised he was “carting around 16-and-a-half stone” after visiting a French doctor and concluded he needed to try to slim down as the UK was leaving the European Union. | Writing in the Spectator, the former foreign secretary said he had realised he was “carting around 16-and-a-half stone” after visiting a French doctor and concluded he needed to try to slim down as the UK was leaving the European Union. |
| Modestly comparing his weight to the state of the body politic, Johnson said he hoped to be 15 stone by Christmas, for the first time since he left university, “to toast the moment” when MPs force May to ditch the Northern Ireland backstop. | Modestly comparing his weight to the state of the body politic, Johnson said he hoped to be 15 stone by Christmas, for the first time since he left university, “to toast the moment” when MPs force May to ditch the Northern Ireland backstop. |
| That he said, would amount to “the change that will launch us on a nimbler, lither and more dynamic future,” he wrote, arguing: “If I can do it, so can we all.” | That he said, would amount to “the change that will launch us on a nimbler, lither and more dynamic future,” he wrote, arguing: “If I can do it, so can we all.” |
| Johnson remains one of the favourites to succeed May, should the vulnerable prime minister be dethroned in the aftermath of her decision to pull the vote on her unpopular Brexit deal. | Johnson remains one of the favourites to succeed May, should the vulnerable prime minister be dethroned in the aftermath of her decision to pull the vote on her unpopular Brexit deal. |
| His decision to have a haircut at the end of last week prompted speculation that he was readying himself for a run at the leadership, by tidying his normally unruly blond mop in an effort to make himself look more presentable to Tory MPs. | His decision to have a haircut at the end of last week prompted speculation that he was readying himself for a run at the leadership, by tidying his normally unruly blond mop in an effort to make himself look more presentable to Tory MPs. |
| Tom Watson, reacting to Boris diet revelation, said: “I applaud Boris Johnson’s diet, I know what it’s like being a middle aged man trying to get fit, but the truth is he won’t lose weight if he keeps trying to have his cake and eat it.” | Tom Watson, reacting to Boris diet revelation, said: “I applaud Boris Johnson’s diet, I know what it’s like being a middle aged man trying to get fit, but the truth is he won’t lose weight if he keeps trying to have his cake and eat it.” |
| Turning away from the Brexit machinations for a moment: The Labour MP, Kate Osamor, has apologised for her “emotional outbursts” as she deals with a row over her son’s drug conviction and has asked to be afforded the space to care for her family. | Turning away from the Brexit machinations for a moment: The Labour MP, Kate Osamor, has apologised for her “emotional outbursts” as she deals with a row over her son’s drug conviction and has asked to be afforded the space to care for her family. |
| Osamor resigned as shadow international development secretary on 1 December – the same day the Times reported she had verbally abused one of its journalists. The paper said its reporter was seeking Osamor’s comment for a story on allegations she had misled the public. | Osamor resigned as shadow international development secretary on 1 December – the same day the Times reported she had verbally abused one of its journalists. The paper said its reporter was seeking Osamor’s comment for a story on allegations she had misled the public. |
| Recent weeks have taken their toll on my health. I am deeply sorry for my emotional outbursts and I am working to better manage my feelings. I ask for space and understanding so I can care for my family and get us through this difficult time. | Recent weeks have taken their toll on my health. I am deeply sorry for my emotional outbursts and I am working to better manage my feelings. I ask for space and understanding so I can care for my family and get us through this difficult time. |
| Take care of you. It's important to take time out and look after your mental health. | Take care of you. It's important to take time out and look after your mental health. |
| Sending you all my solidarity Kate xx | Sending you all my solidarity Kate xx |
| Theresa May has said that her talks with EU leaders today have shown here that there is a “shared determination” in Europe to deliver assurances on the backstop that might satisfy MPs. (See 5.55pm.) But Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president, and Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, both said the EU would not reopen the deal that has already been negotiated. And, after his meeting with May, Donald Tusk, the president of the European council, stressed how difficult it would be for the EU to give May what she needed. | Theresa May has said that her talks with EU leaders today have shown here that there is a “shared determination” in Europe to deliver assurances on the backstop that might satisfy MPs. (See 5.55pm.) But Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president, and Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, both said the EU would not reopen the deal that has already been negotiated. And, after his meeting with May, Donald Tusk, the president of the European council, stressed how difficult it would be for the EU to give May what she needed. |
| Long and frank discussion with PM @theresa_may ahead of #Brexit summit. Clear that EU27 wants to help. The question is how. | Long and frank discussion with PM @theresa_may ahead of #Brexit summit. Clear that EU27 wants to help. The question is how. |
| Ministers have assured MPs that the Commons will get to vote on Brexit before 21 January. After Theresa May pulled the vote yesterday, MPs also highlighted a loophole in the EU Withdrawal Act which meant that, even though the government was supposed to offer MPs a “meaningful vote” in January on what happens next in the event of there being no deal, or the deal being voted down, technically this rule did not apply. David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister, and Robin Walker, the Brexit minister, both told MPs that, regardless of the apparent loophole, MPs would get a vote on the Brexit deal by 21 January - or a vote on what should happen next if for any reason that vote did not happen. But their promises failed to assure opposition MPs, who said the government could not be trusted because it had gone back on its word about holding a vote this week. | Ministers have assured MPs that the Commons will get to vote on Brexit before 21 January. After Theresa May pulled the vote yesterday, MPs also highlighted a loophole in the EU Withdrawal Act which meant that, even though the government was supposed to offer MPs a “meaningful vote” in January on what happens next in the event of there being no deal, or the deal being voted down, technically this rule did not apply. David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister, and Robin Walker, the Brexit minister, both told MPs that, regardless of the apparent loophole, MPs would get a vote on the Brexit deal by 21 January - or a vote on what should happen next if for any reason that vote did not happen. But their promises failed to assure opposition MPs, who said the government could not be trusted because it had gone back on its word about holding a vote this week. |
| Len McCluskey, the Unite general secretary and the most powerful figures in the Labour movement, has urged Jeremy Corbyn to ignore pressure to call an early vote of no confidence in the government. See 4.54pm. The Lib Dems, the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Greens have all urged Corbyn to call one this week. (See 10.42am.) As leader of the official opposition, Corbyn is the only person who can table a motion of no confidence that has to be put to a vote. | Len McCluskey, the Unite general secretary and the most powerful figures in the Labour movement, has urged Jeremy Corbyn to ignore pressure to call an early vote of no confidence in the government. See 4.54pm. The Lib Dems, the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Greens have all urged Corbyn to call one this week. (See 10.42am.) As leader of the official opposition, Corbyn is the only person who can table a motion of no confidence that has to be put to a vote. |
| Jeremy Corbyn has accused Theresa May of demeaning her office by delaying a vote on the Brexit deal to instead seek new concessions from the EU, saying the paralysis of government means other pressing problems are being ignored. | Jeremy Corbyn has accused Theresa May of demeaning her office by delaying a vote on the Brexit deal to instead seek new concessions from the EU, saying the paralysis of government means other pressing problems are being ignored. |
| Britons are growing ever more pessimistic about the state of Brexit negotiations, with even diehard leavers angry with how the past year has gone for their cause, a wide-ranging new study has found. | Britons are growing ever more pessimistic about the state of Brexit negotiations, with even diehard leavers angry with how the past year has gone for their cause, a wide-ranging new study has found. |
| Government plans for customs checks at Dover in a no-deal scenario are so impractical it would take eight hours to clear an average lorry carrying food and goods from Calais, the Road Haulage Association has warned. | Government plans for customs checks at Dover in a no-deal scenario are so impractical it would take eight hours to clear an average lorry carrying food and goods from Calais, the Road Haulage Association has warned. |
| London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has declared a climate emergency and urged the UK government to do more to avert an ecological breakdown that he says poses an existential threat to future generations. | London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has declared a climate emergency and urged the UK government to do more to avert an ecological breakdown that he says poses an existential threat to future generations. |
| That’s all from me for today. | That’s all from me for today. |
| My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is taking over now. | My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is taking over now. |
| Theresa May has recorded a clip for broadcasters in Brussels. She has already met the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, and the European council president, Donald Tusk, and she said there was a “shared determination” in Europe to deliver assurances on the backstop that might satisfy MPs. She said: | Theresa May has recorded a clip for broadcasters in Brussels. She has already met the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, and the European council president, Donald Tusk, and she said there was a “shared determination” in Europe to deliver assurances on the backstop that might satisfy MPs. She said: |
| What has been shown to me from those meetings is there is a shared determination to deal with this issue and address this problem ... | What has been shown to me from those meetings is there is a shared determination to deal with this issue and address this problem ... |
| The deal we’ve negotiated is a deal that honours the referendum ... It’s the best deal available; indeed it’s the only deal available. And the backstop, which is the issue that parliament has raised, is a necessary guarantee for the people of Northern Ireland. And whatever outcome you want, whatever relationship you want with Europe in the future, there is no deal available that does not have a backstop within it. But we don’t want the backstop to be used and, if it is, we want to be certain that it is only temporary. And it’s those assurances that I will be seeking from fellow leaders over the coming days. | The deal we’ve negotiated is a deal that honours the referendum ... It’s the best deal available; indeed it’s the only deal available. And the backstop, which is the issue that parliament has raised, is a necessary guarantee for the people of Northern Ireland. And whatever outcome you want, whatever relationship you want with Europe in the future, there is no deal available that does not have a backstop within it. But we don’t want the backstop to be used and, if it is, we want to be certain that it is only temporary. And it’s those assurances that I will be seeking from fellow leaders over the coming days. |
| Asked whether she had been told that the 48 letters to trigger a no-confidence motion in her as Conservative leader had been received, May said: “No, I have been here in Europe dealing with the issue I have promised parliament I would be dealing with.” | Asked whether she had been told that the 48 letters to trigger a no-confidence motion in her as Conservative leader had been received, May said: “No, I have been here in Europe dealing with the issue I have promised parliament I would be dealing with.” |
| Carwyn Jones has bowed out as first minister of Wales after nine years leading the country. | Carwyn Jones has bowed out as first minister of Wales after nine years leading the country. |
| During his resignation speech in Cardiff, Jones described his feelings as “bittersweet” - he said he was sad to stand down but proud of what he had achieved. | During his resignation speech in Cardiff, Jones described his feelings as “bittersweet” - he said he was sad to stand down but proud of what he had achieved. |
| Jones received a standing ovation from most fellow assembly members. However, Labour AM Jack Sargeant, the son of Carl Sargeant, who was found hanged four days after he was sacked by Jones as a minister amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour to women, remained in his seat. | Jones received a standing ovation from most fellow assembly members. However, Labour AM Jack Sargeant, the son of Carl Sargeant, who was found hanged four days after he was sacked by Jones as a minister amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour to women, remained in his seat. |
| Before the resignation speech, Sargeant issued a statement in which he said it would be “a real slap in the face” if Jones was given a peerage. | Before the resignation speech, Sargeant issued a statement in which he said it would be “a real slap in the face” if Jones was given a peerage. |
| Jack Sargeant, who replaced his father as AM for Alyn and Deeside, said: | Jack Sargeant, who replaced his father as AM for Alyn and Deeside, said: |
| Nothing could be more distressing for the family and friends of Carl to know that such an accolade could be bestowed when there are so many unanswered questions regarding the first minister’s conduct. | Nothing could be more distressing for the family and friends of Carl to know that such an accolade could be bestowed when there are so many unanswered questions regarding the first minister’s conduct. |
| That apart, the mood in the chamber was respectful and jovial, with political rivals paying tribute to Jones’ command of his wide brief and his steadfastness. | That apart, the mood in the chamber was respectful and jovial, with political rivals paying tribute to Jones’ command of his wide brief and his steadfastness. |
| Jones’s Labour party colleague, Mark Drakeford, is set to replace him on Wednesday. Jones said: | Jones’s Labour party colleague, Mark Drakeford, is set to replace him on Wednesday. Jones said: |
| Mark is someone who can effortlessly match both principles and pragmatism, and I have no doubt at all that he will make a superb first minister of Wales. | Mark is someone who can effortlessly match both principles and pragmatism, and I have no doubt at all that he will make a superb first minister of Wales. |